had its beginning in 1979 following a successful state-wide African American History and Culture program at Texas Southern
University. The program at T. S. U. had been
held to bring together persons from across the State of Texas who were interested in interpreting and preserving
African American history and culture. The participants were very responsive. It was reasoned that this venture
was such a success the momentum must be kept alive and expanded. Even though the southern states contained, perhaps,
a majority of African Americans, most of the intellectual activities geared at interpreting and preserving African
American history and culture were centered elsewhere. This was virtually a virgin field. Here was something that had
to be done. It was immediately decided to try to bring together all interested minds, regardless of color or creed,
who were interested in interpreting and preserving African American History and Culture, especially that which had
originated in and/or affected the south.